Article tracking system and method

ABSTRACT

A system and method are useful for tracking an article at a plurality of stations. A smart tag is associated with each article to be tracked, e.g., by being attached to the article either directly or indirectly, e.g., to a container containing the article. The smart tag includes at least an electronic memory coupled to an antenna by which information from the memory may be transmitted and/or information may be received and stored in the memory. Smart tag control units and antenna at the stations communicate with the smart tags and communicate directly or indirectly with one or more processors that process the information.

[0001] This Application is a continuation of PCT InternationalApplication No. PCT/US01/31828 filed Oct. 11, 2001 and of PCTInternational Application No. PCT/US01/42563 filed Oct. 9, 2001, one orboth of which Applications claim the benefit of:

[0002] U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/239,293 filed Oct. 11,2000,

[0003] U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/239,649 filed Oct. 12,2000,

[0004] U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/240,748 filed Oct. 16,2000,

[0005] U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/243,640 filed Oct. 26,2000,

[0006] U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/245,596 filed Nov. 3,2000,

[0007] U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/248,454 filed Nov. 14,2000,

[0008] U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/255,162 filed Dec. 13,2000,

[0009] U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/260,849 filed Jan. 10,2001,

[0010] U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/303,994 filed Jul. 5,2001,

[0011] U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/304,017 filed Jul. 9,2001,

[0012] U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/305,686 filed Jul. 16,2001,

[0013] U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/323,514 filed Sep. 19,2001,

[0014] and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 09/854,722 filed May 14,2001.

[0015] The present invention relates to an article tracking system and,in particular, to such system useful in various environments.

[0016] In a manufacturing operation, in a warehousing operation, in ashipping and/or receiving operation, in a transportation operation, in awholesale or a retail merchandising operation, and in many otheroperations there is a desire to maintain a complete, accurate and up todate inventory or other record of the units of products made, stored,received, processed, shipped and/or sold. Automated or automatic methodsof providing such record are desirable, however, conventional methodsall have shortcomings that result in less than the desired record beingprovided.

[0017] Labels and/or plastic cards and tags associated with units ofproduct were an attempt to afford relative automated record keeping, buttended to be cumbersome to use and error prone. More sophisticatedautomatic methods employed bar-coded labels and/or magnetic stripe cardsand tags, each with suitable readers. While the cost of such labels andcards is low, so is the information that can be embedded or coded ineither of these media. In addition, most readers are read-only devicesand cannot store any additional information in the bar-code label ormagnetic stripe card.

[0018] Moreover, bar-code media require a “line-of-sight” communicationpath between device and reader, and magnetic stripe media require adirect or close contact communication path between device and reader ata suitable “swiping speed,” and the reliability of correct reading isabout 80-90%, as anyone who has gone through a store check-out bar-codereader or a magnetic stripe credit card reader will recognize. Repeatedpasses of the product in front of the bar-code reader or swipes of thecredit card through the card reader create delay and annoyance in thesesettings, and produce record errors in other applications.

[0019] Electronic tracking using radio frequency identification (RFID)tags is one way to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art bar-codeand magnetic stripe approaches. Prior art systems typically do not trackthe articles to be tracked along the processing path and/or do not havereliable, essentially 100% correct reader performance, essentiallywithout the need for human intervention, as is desirable for providingcomplete and accurate records.

[0020] In a manufacturing operation, for example, there is a need tomonitor progress and productivity as well as to keep track of theproduct being produced. To this end, it would be desirable to have asystem that provides a record including identification of the operatorand work time or processing time at each work station, operator“signature,” and other information of interest, preferably for each itemof product. A reader to capture such information, as well as a way forstoring such information, and for associating such information with aparticular unit of product, is also desirable.

[0021] In a shipping or receiving operation, for example, paperdocuments conventionally contain the necessary information, such asproduct type, serial number, manufacturer, customer, owner, and thelike, relating to each item of product. Even bar-coded labels andmagnetic stripe cards have not proved completely satisfactory due to theneed for line-of-sight readers and significantly less than 100% readingrate and/or accuracy.

[0022] Accordingly, there is a need for a tracking system that can trackan article at various stations, that has a very high correct-readingability (e.g., approaching 100%), and that does not requireline-of-sight readers.

[0023] To this end, the system of the present invention for tracking anarticle at a plurality of stations, wherein a smart tag is associatedwith the article, comprises a plurality of stations at which anoperation is performed, and a plurality of smart tag readers, whereinone of the smart tag readers is associated with each one of theplurality of stations for providing and/or receiving information-bearingelectrical signals in a smart tag format. Each of the plurality of smarttag readers produces information signals representative of informationcontained in the received information-bearing electrical signals and/orinserts information contained in information signals in the transmittedinformation-bearing electrical signals. A plurality of antenna arraysare operatively coupled the plurality of smart tag readers fortransmitting and/or receiving the information-bearing electrical signalsin a detection region proximate the respective station associatedtherewith. At least one smart tag is associated with an article andincludes an electronic memory and an antenna coupled to the electronicmemory for transmitting and/or receiving information-bearing electricalsignals in the smart tag format, wherein the information-bearingelectrical signals represent information to be stored in the electronicmemory and/or represent information produced from the electronic memory.A computer processor processes information signals coupled viacommunication means from the smart tag readers at the plurality ofstations and provides a record of the information represented by theinformation signals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0024] The detailed description of the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention will be more easily and better understood when read inconjunction with the FIGURES of the Drawing which include:

[0025]FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exampleembodiment of a tracking system in accordance with the invention,

[0026]FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example of oneor more stations and/or operations including the present invention anduseful with a system according to the present invention;

[0027]FIG. 3 is a flow chart schematic diagram of an example of atracking system according to the invention;

[0028]FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C are schematic representations of memoryallocations and relational database arrangements suitable for use withthe invention;

[0029]FIGS. 5A and 5B are flow chart schematic diagrams of examples ofutilizations of the memory allocations and relational databasearrangements of FIGS. 4A-4C according to the invention;

[0030]FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of examples of antenna suitable foruse with the invention; and

[0031]FIGS. 7A, 7B and 8 are schematic diagrams of examples of antennaarrays suitable for use with the invention.

[0032] In the Drawing, where an element or feature is shown in more thanone drawing figure, the same alphanumeric designation may be used todesignate such element or feature in each figure, and where a closelyrelated or modified element is shown in a figure, the samealphanumerical designation primed may be used to designate the modifiedelement or feature. Similar elements may be shown in the same figuredesignated by different “dash numbers” such as X-1, X-2, and so on. Itis noted that, according to common practice, the various features of thedrawing are not to scale, and the dimensions of the various features arearbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0033] A system according to the invention is useful for tracking anarticle at a plurality of stations. A smart tag is associated with eacharticle to be tracked, for example, by being attached to the articleeither directly or indirectly, e.g., to a container containing thearticle. The smart tag includes at least an electronic memory coupled toan antenna by which information from the memory may be transmittedand/or information may be received and stored in the memory. Smart tagcontrol units (readers and/or writers) and antenna arrays at thestations communicate with the smart tags and communicate directly orindirectly with one or more processors that process the information, forexample, such as for monitoring and/or controlling the stations and/orcontrol units and/or lines including one or more stations.

[0034]FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exampleembodiment of a tracking system 10 in accordance with the invention.System 10 includes one or more “operation lines” 100-1, 100-2, . . .100-N of stations OS-1, OS-2, . . . OS-N within or associated with oneor more plants or facilities or parts thereof. Operation line refers toany collection or group of one or more stations OS-1, OS-2, . . . OS-Nat which one or more related or unrelated operations may be performed.Dotted line 102 indicates that additional stations 100 may be included.Examples of operations include, but are not limited to, manufacturingoperations, processing, testing, inspecting, operation timing,productivity monitoring, work and/or time recording, inventoryoperations, quality control operations, shipping operations, receivingoperations, storage operations, sales operations, displaying, buyingoperations, wholesale operations and retail operations.

[0035] Each station OS-1, OS-2, . . . OS-N includes a control unit CU-1,CU-2, . . . CU-N for communicating with smart tags when the smart tag iswithin the detection region of the control unit and its associatedantenna array (not shown in FIG. 1). Each antenna array includes aplurality of antenna, typically loop antenna, arranged so that a smarttag within the detection region will be detected with substantially 100%reliability. The antenna array typically produces and/or is responsiveto electromagnetic fields having a component in each of three orthogonaldirections, or at least in directions coupling with the antenna of thesmart tag in any orientation it may be in when in the detection region.

[0036] Stations OS-1, OS-2, . . . OS-N of each operation line 100-1,100-2, . . . 100-N are coupled for direct or indirect communication witha computer or processor LC, 200, for the communication of informationtherebetween or among, and for the processing of the information asfurther described herein, at least for the monitoring of operations atthe stations and/or for controlling the stations. While only oneprocessor (computer) is necessary to the system 10, it is oftenconvenient to employ a network of processors (computers) in which pluralde-centralized processors LC are linked, as by a network, for example,to a central processor 200. Typically, each local processor LC isassociated with one or more stations OS for monitoring the operationthereof and/or for controlling such station(s) OS, and is linked withthe central processor 200 for communicating monitoring informationtherewith and/or for communicating control and/or programminginformation therewith. Thus, operation stations OS may operateindependently, under the control of local computer LC, under control ofcentral computer 200, or some combination thereof.

[0037] Such communication between and among stations OS-1, OS-2, . . .OS-N and one or more computers or processors LC, 200 may be by anyconvenient communication apparatus, such as by wires and cables, radioor RF transmission, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN),optical fiber, and the like, or combinations thereof. While suchcommunication may be direct, it is typically at least partially indirectin that one or more communication hubs 110, 150 and or communicationdevices 120, 220 may couple one or ones of stations 100-1, 100-2, . . .100-N with one or ones of local computers/local processors LC-1, LC-2, .. . LC-N and/or central computer/central processor 200.

[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 1, for example, stations 100-1, 100-2, . .. 100-N of line 100-1 are coupled for communication with local processorLC-1 via communication hub 110-1, stations 100-1, 100-2, . . . 100-N ofline 100-2 are coupled for communication with local processor LC-2 viacommunication hub 110-2, and stations 100-1, 100-2, . . . 100-N of line100-N are coupled for communication with local processor LC-N viacommunication hub 110-N, but could be coupled directly, by RFcommunication or otherwise. Typically, information is communicated amongcontrol units CU, local processor LC and central processor 200 in realtime or essentially real time. Alternatively, for example, informationmay be communicated to local processor LC when an article is completedat the last station OS-N and from local processor LC to centralprocessor at predetermined times or upon demand.

[0039] Lines 100-1 and 100-N are coupled for communication with localprocessor LC-1 via network communication hub 150, which hub is optional,and to central processor 200 as indicated by the broad arrow 202associated with central processor 200. Additionally and/oralternatively, as illustrated by lines 100-2 and 100-N, local processorsLC-2 and LC-N are coupled by communication devices 120-2, 120-N,respectively, for communication with each other and for communicationwith central processor 200 via communication device 220 associatedtherewith. Communication devices 120, 220 may be of any suitable type,such as RF, LAN, WAN, optical and the like. Communication devices 120 asdescribed may also be employed for communication between any station OSand its associated local processor LC and/or central processor 200, orfor any line 100 or lines 100 therewith.

[0040] Any convenient communication protocol, such as the RS-485 orRS-232, may be employed. The selection of wired and/or wirelesscommunication among various elements of system 10 typically will dependon the location, proximity and geography of the various elements and therelative ease of providing wire, cable or optical fiber as compared towireless radio frequency or optical communication.

[0041] Communication may occur periodically, but promptly (e.g., withinseconds) relative to the speed and frequency of the operations andinformation being transmitted, such as operation performed and the timeand date thereof, and the timeliness of tracking and monitoring desired.Communication may be periodic, but less frequent, regarding the statusof a station OS, such as for bill-of-material vs. actual-materialinformation and proper functioning of the article being processed.Periodic communication may be beneficial for wireless communication toreduce frequency spectrum and bandwidth requirements, and communicationunits may be placed at higher locations and unobstructed positions, suchas in a tall building, or other suitable location for propercommunication.

[0042] Some or all of lines 100-1, 100-2, . . . 100-N may communicatewith local processor LC which in turn communicates with centralcomputer/processor 200, as illustrated, or, alternatively, some or allof lines 100-1, 100-2, . . . 100-N or of stations OS-1, OS-2, . . . OS-Nmay communicate directly with central computer/processor 200 without alocal processor LC. Further, any of stations OS-1, OS-2, . . . OS-N mayoperate independently of (i.e. not under the control of) a localprocessor LC and/or a central processor 200, but communicatinginformation to a local processor LC and/or central processor 200 for themonitoring of operations as such stations.

[0043] Suitable communication devices are available commercially fromseveral sources and provide direct communication or communication viarelay links. Such devices are suitable for communication betweencomputers over local area and wide area networks and may employ CDMAand/or spread spectrum communication techniques. For example, RFcommunication devices available from Proxim, Inc., located in Sunnyvale,Calif., include, for example, a RangeLAN2 system operating at 2.4 GHZ, aStratum Building-to-Building system, and a Symphony Home and SmallOffice system. Such devices can transmit and receive information andprogramming changes between and among central processor 200, localcomputers LC and/or control units CU equipped with a compatiblecommunication device.

[0044]FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example of oneor more stations and/or operations OS-1 through OS-4 including thepresent invention and useful with a system 10 according to the presentinvention. Articles A upon which operations are to be performed passthrough stations OS-1-OS-4 at which such operations are performed asgenerally indicated by arrow 140. Articles A pass through the respectivedetection regions of antenna arrays 130-1 through 130-4 as they passstations OS-1-OS-4 and so are detected by the respective smart tagcontrol units CU of stations OS-1-OS-4.

[0045] Antenna arrays 130 each include plural antenna 132, 134, 136 thatmay be disposed at ones of stations OS-1-OS-4 and/or between ones ofstations OS-1-OS-4 in an “all-orientation” manner so as to detect asmart tag ST in its detection region irrespective of the orientation ofthe smart tag ST. Antenna arrays 130 may be disposed “in front” of and“behind” a given station OS to include detection regions at an entranceto and at an exit from a station OS, as illustrated by entrance antennaarray 130-2A and exit antenna array 130-2B in the detail diagram ofOS-2. Plural antenna 132, 134, 136 of a given antenna array 130 arepreferably sequentially activated (i.e. activated one at a time insequence) so that they do not interfere with each other. Entranceantenna array 130-2A and exit antenna array 130-2B are sometimesreferred to as an “entrance gate” and an “exit gate” to station OS.

[0046] Where stations OS and therefore antenna arrays 130 are in closeproximity, e.g., within about 10-50 meters, one smart tag control unitCU may be utilized with a plurality of antenna arrays 130. In such case,the individual antenna 132, 134, 136 of each of the arrays 130 aresequentially activated, preferably so that only one antenna is active atany given time. The switching arrangement or hub for sequentiallycoupling the individual antenna 132, 134, 136 to the reader/writer ofcontrol unit CU may either be included in control unit CU or may beremote from control unit CU, typically proximate to antenna arrays 130.

[0047] Each antenna array 130 (including antenna arrays 130 having anentrance antenna array 130-2A and an exit antenna array 130-2B) iscoupled to a smart tag control unit CU (CU-2) that includes at least asmart tag reader for reading information produced from the electronicmemory EM of a smart tag ST within its detection region and preferablyalso includes a smart tag writer for transmitting information forstoring the information in the memory EM of smart tag ST. Suchinformation may include, for example, the identification of the article,the operation or of the operator or inspector, process and/or qualitycontrol information, arrival and departure times of an article A, startand finish times of the operation, date and time, process conditions andany other information of interest for tracking, control, quality,efficiency or other management purposes.

[0048] Each station OS is coded with information pertinent to theoperation performed thereat, which information is transmitted to thesmart tag ST associated with the article A then at the station OS andstored in its memory EM. In addition, a station OS may include a keypador keyboard for the entry of additional information, e.g., by anoperator or inspector, typically in interaction with information readfrom the smart tag ST of an article A then at that station OS.Typically, such information may include, for example, quality orinspection information, scrap or waste information, and/or otherinformation peculiar to that station at that time, and any otherinformation of interest for tracking, control, quality, efficiency orother management purposes.

[0049] The information so obtained may, in addition to being used fortracking articles A and control of stations OS, be used for managementsuch as for calculating efficiency, product yield, operator work timeand idle time and break time, productivity, and process metrics. Suchinformation as used in manufacturing and inventory control may be useddirectly for standard MRPII or standard manufacturingresource/requirement planning. Typically and preferably, the informationso obtained is communicated to the processor LC, 200 for monitoring andcontrol and preferably is also transmitted via control unit CU andantenna array 130 to antenna ANT of smart tag ST and stored inelectronic memory EM thereof.

[0050] In the example where system 10 is utilized in manufacturing tomonitor the manufacturing processes, smart tags ST are attached to eachunit to be built, typically to a basic or major component thereof, suchas a chassis, enclosure, subassembly, or other major component or part,i.e. to work in process. In addition, a smart tag ST may be attached toadditional components or parts such as expensive or critical parts ormaterials, or to the containers, packages, crates, containers, pallets,or “tote” (tote box or container) or other container containing suchparts or components.

[0051] Containers, packages and “totes” with smart tags ST attached maybe reused, e.g., after erasing the product-specific andoperation-specific information stored in its memory EM. Smart tags STattached to product may either remain with the product or may be removedand, if desired, erased and reused. Smart tags remaining with productmay be useful to facilitate servicing in the field, and/or forsubsequent use or manufacturing or other operation in conjunction withsmart tag readers/writers compatible with smart tag ST.

[0052] At each station OS-1-OS-4, the following information is recorded(communicated and stored) in both the smart tag ST associated with theproduct (article A) and the processor LC, 200: Control unit CU typicallyprovides for the recording of product A arrival time and the operatorand operation process code, and a derived or “as-built” bill of materialor parts list. If station OS is a “kiosk” type including akeypad/keyboard providing data entry capability, the operator can inputinformation such as extra material used, special observations or choicesmade and various defects, any issue or information the operator desiresto record, and the like.

[0053] Preferably, at each station OS, similar information is stored inthe electronic memory EM of the smart tag ST associated with the articleA at a given station OS by the smart tag control unit reader/writer CUassociated therewith and communicated to the processor LC, 200. Wherethe time of processing or an operation is important, antenna arrays 130with entrance and exit “gates” may be utilized.

[0054] Where movement of product is relatively quick, i.e there is ashort travel time between adjacent stations, antenna arrays 130 may beplaced between stations OS. Each antenna array 130 in effect serves asan exit gate for one station OS-n and an entrance gate for the nextstation OS-(n+1), and process time at any station or stations OS may beobtained by subtraction of the times the article A is at each of thevarious antenna arrays 130.

[0055] Smart tags ST′ that are different from smart tags ST associatedwith the articles A may be provided so that smart tag control unit CU ata station OS can monitor information contained in smart tag ST′. Smarttags ST′ may be different in form from smart tag ST in that the antennaANT and memory EM are embodied in an operator or employee identificationbadge or card (e.g., a smart card) or other convenient form. Smart tagsST′ are different in function in that they are at least differentlycoded so that smart tag control units CU and processor LC, 200differentiate them from smart tags ST associated with articles A to betracked.

[0056] Where smart tags ST′ are employee or operator or other individualidentification, system 10 may obtain information from smart tag ST′ suchas operator identification, an employee number or serial number, as wellas other information pertaining to the individual or of interest tomanagement, and can process that information as part of the trackingrecord associated with an article A, such as tracking which operatorperformed each operation on a particular unit of product and when theoperation was performed and how long it took. Such smart tags ST′ arealso preferably of the wireless type so that communication with smarttag control units CU does not require contact or a line-of-sightcommunication path.

[0057] In addition, where such individual identification smart tags ST′are utilized, they may additionally be read and/or written to by one ormore smart tag control units CU at locations other than operationstations OS, such as at entrances and gates to a facility or aparticular work area, for purposes of obtaining time and attendanceinformation (i.e. time-clock information) concerning the individual towhom the smart tag ST′ is issued. Such time and attendance informationmay also be tracked or otherwise monitored by processor LC, 200, and inconjunction with salary and labor rate information be used to track andmonitor product cost, production cost, job and order cost, and othercosts.

[0058] Detection of the presence of an individual's smart tag ST′ mayalso be utilized to provide work orders, special instructions, notices,and other information to the individual. Antenna arrays 130 fordetecting individual smart tags ST′ may be located in locations otherthan a station or operation area OS. In addition, information stored inthe individual's smart tag ST′ may represent whether or not theindividual is authorized access to a particular station, operation orarea, and so may be utilized to open a door or gate, release a lock orinterlock, enable operation of apparatus and/or equipment and otherwiseinteract with the smart tag control unit CU and other components ofsystem 10, e.g., to manage an employee. Where the smart tag ST′ is notone authorized to be in a particular station, operation or area, thatinformation may be recorded and system 10 may give an appropriatewarning and/or may signal management.

[0059] Smart tags ST′ may also be associated with the parts, componentsand/or units of material used in an operation at a given station OS-n.In such case the identification and quantity of such part, componentand/or material utilized with a particular article A-n is tracked fromthe information obtained therefrom via smart tag control unit CU-nassociated with the given station OS-n and subsequent stations OS-(n+1),OS-(n+2) and so forth. This facilitates automatic production of actualor “as-built” bills of material for each unit of product or article A.

[0060] In addition to such tracking and monitoring of parts, components,materials, and work in process on an essentially real-time basis, ratesof usage, inventory and replenishment ordering may also be controlled,such as for “just-in-time” and similar purchasing and inventorymanaging. Further, excessive usage, process inefficiency and theft maybe uncovered. With operator entry of information at a given station OSvia a keypad or keyboard, explanations of excess material usage,materials substitutions, and the like can be utilized to reducediscrepancies and/or inconsistencies between the actual bill of materialand a theoretical or planned bill of material.

[0061]FIG. 2 also illustrates the use of the present invention issubsequent operations of different kinds with compatible smart tagreaders and/or writers. When article A has moved along the pathindicated by arrow 140 and leaves station OS-4 passing through antennaarray 130-4, path 140 splits, for example, in two or more possibledifferent directions 142, 144. These directions may lead to anyconceivable use or disposition for articles A. Examples include storage,distribution, exhibition or display, sales, shipping or transport, andthe like.

[0062] Direction 142, for example, leads to a warehouse WH or otherstorage or distribution facility in which articles A-1-A-N are stored,e.g., as inventory. Within warehouse WH are various storage areas SA oftwo SA-1, SA-2 are illustrated. Storage areas SA may be physical floorspaces, shelving units, cabinets, racks or bins and the like. Asillustrated, articles A-1 and A-2 having smart tags ST-1 and ST-2,respectively, thereon are in storage area SA-1 and articles A-3 and A-Nhaving smart tags ST-3 and ST-N, respectively, thereon are in storagearea-SA-2.

[0063] Each storage area SA is preferably provided with an antenna arrayof similar type to arrays 130 that detect smart tags ST associated withthe articles A therein irrespective of their orientation, i.e.all-orientation RFID antenna arrays. The antenna arrays of each storageareas SA coupled to a smart tag control unit CU and to a processor LC,200 (i.e. either a central processor or a combination of central andlocal processors) as described above in relation to FIG. 1.

[0064] Thus, warehouse WH comprises a system 10 like that describedabove, and similar to that described in relation to manufacturing withrespect to FIG. 2. In addition to array antenna 130 associated withstorage areas SA, a similar all-orientation antenna array can beprovided at the entrance(s) to and exit(s) from warehouse WH so thatarticles arriving and leaving are monitored and tracked. Such entry andexit antenna arrays are suitably sized for passage of personnel,packages, containers, pallets, carts, forklifts, and other objectsintended to pass through such entrance or exit.

[0065] This not only facilitates reconciliation of inventory totalquantity and identity with information of identity, quantity andlocation read from the smart tags ST in each storage area SA, butfacilitates the detection of unauthorized moving or removing of articlesA. In addition, this capability also facilitates the handling oftime-sensitive articles (those that spoil, degrade or expire withpassage of time) on a first-in first-out basis to minimize spoilage andof expiration.

[0066] Warehouse WH is but one example of a location or application forthe present system. Location WH could be, for example, a cargo vessel(ship) having many cargo containers SA in its hold, an airplane havingmany baggage containers SA in its baggage compartment, a train havingmany cars (boxcars, refrigerated cars, auto carrier cars) SA, a truck orother vehicle having plural cargo zones SA, a store having many displayunits or shelves SA, and so forth. In addition to storage areas or zonesSA, any of the foregoing may include antenna arrays at various accessways, such as entrances and exits to such areas and zones SA, as may thefacilities at which they are loaded or unloaded, so that the locationand time at which particular articles and/or containers were loadedand/or unloaded is recorded, tracked and monitored.

[0067] In addition, where smart tags ST, ST′ are attached to orassociated with containers, crates, pallets and the like that arereusable, such containers, crates, pallets and the like can be trackedand monitored by the smart tags ST, ST′ thereon for loss prevention andmore efficient utilization.

[0068] Thus it is evident that the same system elements may beconfigured to provide a system in accordance with the invention in anyone of many types of facilities, locations, functions and operations.

[0069] For example, when system 10 is utilized in a store or retailsales environment, such as where inventory status is desired, thestations have different names and functions (operations), but operationof the system is as described above. With regard to FIG. 2, station 1(OS-1) could, for example, be a receiving dock, station 2 (OS-2) couldbe storage bins in a stockroom, storeroom or warehouse, station 3 (OS-3)could be display racks and shelves in a customer area, and station 4(OS-4) could be the checkout station.

[0070] Merchandise to be sold (i.e. articles A) arrives at receivingdock OS-1 (station 1) either already tagged with smart tags ST or istagged upon arrival. If articles A are tagged when they arrive, then itis desirable to have an antenna array entrance gate 130 through whichthe articles pass to get to the receiving dock OS-1 so that the smarttags ST thereon are read and information pertaining to the articles isrecorded as an inventory record. The operation of station 1 isreceiving.

[0071] The smart tags ST applied may be adhesive tags that adhere to thearticles A or may be included in a relatively large conventionalreusable circular anti-theft devices of the sort available fromCheck-Point Systems of Thorofare, N.J., typically utilized in retailclothing stores. These conventional anti-theft devices are large so asto be obvious and cannot be removed from the article without damagingthe fabric or other material from which the article is made, unlessremoved using a special tool or release device generally not availableto the public. Typically, a smart tag ST employing an I-CODEsemiconductor chip from Philips is configured in form to fit inside suchconventional anti-theft device so that the anti-theft-device and thesmart tag ST cooperate to reduce theft and lost or misplaced merchandise(articles).

[0072] If the articles do not come with smart tags, then smart tags STare affixed to the articles before the articles A are moved to thestockroom or storeroom OS-2 (station 2). In either case, articles A aremoved to the stockroom OS-2 (station 2) passing through antenna array130-1 along the path indicated by arrow 140, whereby information readfrom smart tag ST is recorded as an inventory record in processor LC,200. Station 2 may include a plurality of storage bins or spaces similarto areas SA-1, SA-2, . . . , each having an all-orientation antennaarray 130, so that the location, quantity, identity and otherinformation regarding the articles A stored therein may be ascertainedat any time by utilizing the antenna arrays 130 associated with suchbins SA to read the smart tags ST associated with the articles A storedtherein.

[0073] The preferred smart tag ST for such retail application is an RFID“passive” tag operating at 13.56 MHZ or another common RFID tagfrequency. The memory of the electronic device of smart tag ST can bepartitioned to contain required information for inventory purposes, suchas the universal product code (UPC), the specific manufacturer, make orbrand name, the specific model or type, the specific piece, pricing,date of receipt, and other relevant and/or desired or usefulinformation.

[0074] Station 3 (OS-3) is the retail display space, showroom or otherarea where customers may inspect and/or select articles A for purchase.The operation of station 3 is merchandise display, whether the customeractually purchases the articles A displayed or makes a selection fromthe articles displayed and receives an article A from the storeroom OS-2(station 2). Articles A moving out of storage area OS-2 (station 2) passthrough the detection area of antenna array 130-2 and the smart tags STassociated therewith are read and the information read is used to createa record of the article A leaving the storeroom OS-2. Sections of thedisplay shelves, display cases, showroom areas and the like are fittedwith antenna arrays 130-3, which can be built into attractive decorateddisplay shelves to show the articles advantageously for customerselection, so that the identity, type and quantity of articles in theshowroom/retail space is always available by reading the informationfrom the smart tags ST associated therewith.

[0075] An all orientation antenna array 130-4 is also incorporated intothe checkout counter OS-4 (station 4) at which purchases are recorded,tabulated and where the customer pays by cash, credit card or othermethod of payment. The operation of station 4 is order tabulation andpayment. As articles A with associated smart tags ST pass through thedetection region of antenna array 130-4, each is read and theinformation therefrom is communicated to the computer LC or 200 whichtabulates the purchases automatically and quickly, and at the same timeupdates the inventory records to reflect the sale of those specificarticles. Once the articles are paid for, the anti-theft devices withsmart tags ST therein may be removed from the articles A purchased orthe electronic memories of the smart tags associated with the articles Apurchased may be erased or may be coded to indicate they have beenpurchased, so that they will not set off an anti-theft alarm as thearticles are taken from the store.

[0076] A display (not shown) may be associated with checkout stationOS-4, such as an LED, CRT, LCD or other display to display informationregarding a particular sale/purchase for the employee and customer. Ifthe store has a so-called “loyalty” program that awards “points” orother representations of purchases made (similar to airline frequentflyer and hotel frequent guest loyalty programs) for which the customeris issued a smart card (similar to a smart tag, but in the form of acard, usually about credit-card size), antenna array 130-4 associatedwith checkout station OS-4 can also read the customer's loyalty programinformation from the customer's loyalty program smart card and thencredit the customer's loyalty program account for the purchases made andwrite the current updated information to the memory of the customer'sloyalty program smart card. The customer information read from theloyalty program smart card may also be used to display a greeting to thecustomer by name on the display and/or to greet the customer aurallysuing a speech synthesizer.

[0077] As described herein, the antenna of the all-orientation antennaarrays 130 are preferably either spatially separated or temporallyseparated by being activated sequentially in time to eliminateinterference, and a single control unit CU therefor may control andoperate a plurality of all-orientation antenna arrays 130. It is notedthat the use of an antenna array 130 that has the ability to detectsmart tags ST in its detection region with substantially 100% readingrate, as is the case for the all-orientation antenna array 130, isimportant to obtain full the advantage of the present invention.Typically, substantially 100% reading rate means at least a reading rateof about 99%, and preferably a reading rate of about 99.5%, irrespectiveof the orientation of the smart tag within the detection region of theantenna array. It is noted that variations in the antenna and/or smarttags and/or control units, such as variations due to component,production, adjustment, tuning, matching and other tolerances, andvariation over time and temperature, as well as any other sources ofelectromagnetic radiation incident on the antenna, may produce variationof those percentages.

[0078] In addition, if store employees are issued individual smart tagsST′, then transactions may be associated with particular employees tomonitor performance quality and deter theft. The employee operatingcheckout station OS-4 can be associated with each sale and article Asold, and checkout station OS-4 can be arranged to be non-functionaland/or to register an alarm if the smart tag ST′ of the assignedemployee is not within a prescribed distance (e.g., about 2-5 feet orabout 0.6-1.6 meters) of that station when articles a are passedtherethrough.

[0079] Advantageously, checkout counter OS-4 employing antenna array130-4 is more efficient and should be quicker and less prone to errorthan are conventional bar-code scanning check out systems which requirethe article to be in close proximity to and in line-of-sightcommunication with the bar code scanner, and yet have a significanterror rate. In addition, a complete and accurate inventory covering eacharea and aspect of the particular retail operation is available in realtime and with an extremely low error rate, which is aided by theall-orientation antenna arrays.

[0080] Also advantageously, because the same devices and infrastructurefor communication and processing can be utilized for both anti-theftcontrol and for inventory control operations, the cost should be lessthan if different systems were to be used for each operation. Moreover,an additional antenna array 130-4B (not shown, in addition to array130-4A at the checkout) near the store exit may be added simply and withlittle additional expense, further enhancing anti-theft control.

[0081] Smart tags ST, ST′ are typically utilized for tagging andelectronically identifying articles by reading information stored in theelectronic memory of the smart tag using contact-less radio-frequency(RF) transmissions. Available smart tags operate at RF frequenciesbetween hundreds of kilo-Hertz (KHz) and several giga-Hertz (GHz).Typical frequencies for RF smart tags and smart cards (functionally thesame but different in form) include 125 KHz, 13.56 MHZ, 915 MHZ and 2.45GHz.

[0082] For the present smart tagging system and method, an electronicintegrated circuit in the form of a semiconductor chip is connected toan antenna ANT on a substrate to serve as a tag. The semiconductor chiptypically includes a processor and an electronic memory for storinginformation. Information stored in a smart tag can be read by a suitablesmart tag reader and can be read and written to by a suitablereader/writer. The reader or reader/writer and the tag antenna are tunedsuitably so that RF energy (electromagnetic fields and electricalsignals) can stimulate the tag to emit a signal representative of theinformation (electronic codes or data) stored in the tag memory. Suchcontact-less RF tags eliminate the need for an electrical contact or aline-of-sight path for communication with the smart tag.

[0083] Suitable smart card/smart tag semiconductor chips include theI-CODE chip and the MIFARE chip, both available from PhilipsSemiconductors located in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, and the typesSLE4442 or SLE4428 memory ICs available from Siemens of Germany. Alsosuitable are the “Tag-it” devices available from Texas Instruments ofDallas, Tex., the “Pico-Tag” devices available from Inside Technology ofFrance, and devices available from Microchips of Phoenix, Ariz. Eachsmart tag/semiconductor chip must have sufficient memory for storing allof the information desired to be stored therein. Typically about 100-500bytes is sufficient and one kilobyte is preferred.

[0084] Suitable smart tag reader/writers include the LEADS-TRAKKER™available from Avante International Technology, Inc. located inPrinceton, N.J., the Fast-Track system available from Escort MemorySystems located in California, the Interrogator Control Module availablefrom Samsys Technologies, Inc. located in California, and the Memor 2000RFID available from Minec company located in Taby, Sweden, as well asreaders/writers available from Intermec Technologies Corporation locatedin Everett, Wash., Fargo Electronics, Inc. located in Eden Prairie,Minn., or from Atlantek, Inc. located in Wakefield, R.I., or from AvanteInternational Technology located in Princeton, N.J.

[0085] Suitable processors (both local processor LC and centralprocessor 200) include any modern personal computer (PC), such as thosehaving a Pentium®, Celeron®, or similar processor, running a Windows,Unix or other PC operating system. Where a LAN or WAN network isemployed, standard PC networking hardware and software may be includedin the PCs. Desirably, the processors, as well as the smart tag controlunits readers/writers, will have redundant memory and informationstorage, such as by one or more of non-volatile memory, a hard diskdrive, a floppy disk drive, a CD-write drive and the like.

[0086] Applications programs suitable for recording and manipulating theinformation include relational database software such as theWindows-NT-based Microsoft ACCESS database as well as ORACLE, SYBASE andINFORMIX database software, and software languages such as Visual Basic,Java, or other language compliant with American National StandardsInstitute (ANSI) Standard 256. Each database record will typicallyinclude fields some or all of the following information: The articleidentification and/or serial number and/or quantity, station and/oroperation identification, entry and exit time data (arriving andleaving), date, bill of material data, actual/planned material usage,keypad/keyboard entered data, component/part/material smart taginformation, operator/employee/individual smart tag information, qualitycontrol and inspection data, transport provider, and the like. Thus, thedatabase maintains an inventory of the articles, their quantities andlocations and may be utilized to categorize the data contained in thedatabase records for tracking any article or any type or group ofarticles, and/or any station so also provide status and inventory bystation, operator or any other desired category of the stored records.Typically, the database software interfaces with other standardsoftware, such as the standard MRPII software available from the GreatPlains division of Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.

[0087] Desirably, processed information and/or transactional informationshould be available in human readable form, such as by display on acomputer monitor or by print out by a computer printer, both of whichmay be conventional. Where certain information recorded and/or processedis representative of parameters or conditions that may pose a hazard topersonnel or property, or are critical to an operation or process, orindicate a failure of some test or condition, it is desirable to includean alarm, such as a loudspeaker, flashing light, buzzer or the like,that is activated automatically by an out-of-limit or marginalcondition.

[0088]FIG. 3 is a flow chart schematic diagram of an example of atracking system 10 according to the invention, such as that describedabove in relation to FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 2. Step 310 comprises obtaininga smart tag and encoding into its electronic memory (storing)information identifying the article (e.g., product) to which it will beattached and other desired information, such as model number, serialnumber, date, manufacturer, plant or facility or manufacturing lineinformation and the like. The smart tag is then placed on or with thearticle, or on or with the container containing or to contain thearticle(s), such as by adhesive or other mechanical attachment or byplacement in a pouch or envelope or holder.

[0089] One smart tag may be associated with each article, or a smart tagmay be associated with more than one article, e.g., as when a containercontains plural articles. In the following, description in either thesingular or plural is intended to encompass the other, withoutdistinguishing whether the smart tags and articles are associated on aone-to-one basis or on a one-to-group basis.

[0090] Optionally, step 310 also comprises printing a conventional tagor label with all or part of the information thereon in human readablefor and/or in machine readable form, such as a bar code where subsequentsteps will be performed by both systems including the invention andconventional bar code readers, i.e. a mixed environment.

[0091] Step 320 comprises the operation at station #1 which includes, inaddition to the operation performed on the article, at least reading thesmart tag to obtain the information stored in its memory. Theinformation read from the smart tag is associated with stationinformation, such as the identity of the station (station #1), theoperation, the operator, time and date, materials and the like, which istypically stored at the station, inputted by an operator or read fromother smart tags associated with material or parts used. The combinedassociated information is sometimes referred to as “transactional”information.

[0092] Optionally, but preferably, step 320 also comprises transmittingassociated information (preferably the transactional information) to thesmart tag and storing the information in its memory. Thus, both thesmart tag and the station have the same transactional informationpertaining to that article and that station. Any other desiredinformation may likewise be transmitted and stored in the smart tag.Where plural tags may be present in the smart tag detection region of astation at the same time, conventional smart tag “collision-avoidance”or “anti-collision” techniques are employed.

[0093] Step 330 comprises recording the associated information(preferably the transactional information) pertaining to station #1 andoperation #1. Initially, such information is recorded in the smart tagcontrol unit and/or a local processor, but is thereafter communicated toa processor, typically a central processor. The transactionalinformation may include time and date information or time and dateinformation may be associated with the transactional information inrecording that information.

[0094] Step 330 further comprises communicating the information from thesmart tag reader to the processor, either directly or via the controlunit and one or more local processors. Steps 320-330 may also comprisecommunicating information from the processor to the smart tag.

[0095] Steps 340 and 360 are like step 320, but pertain to stations #2through N rather than to station #1. Steps 350 and 370 are like step330, but pertain to stations #2 through N rather than to station #1. Asan article progresses through steps 320-370, information associated withthe article and each station and operation is accumulated and recordedin the processor and is also preferably stored in the smart tagassociated with the article. Thus, at the completion of steps 310through 370, a record of the “history” of the article is recorded in theprocessor and preferably also in the smart tag.

[0096] It should be noted that stations #1 through N may include anynumber and types of stations and operations, as may be necessary,convenient or desirable in the processing, transport and use of anygiven article. The steps, and stations, need not be located in proximityto each other, but may be in separate buildings or facilities, atdifferent locations and even widely dispersed geographically, and neednot be under the ownership and/or control of any one person or entity.

[0097] Steps 380 and 385 are alternative steps. Step 380 comprisesretaining with the article the smart tag in which is stored thehistorical transaction information relating to that particular article.The smart tag may be attached to the article or to packaging containingthe article or employ another suitable associating arrangement. Step 380also includes subsequently using the transactional information stored inthe smart tag in conjunction with using or processing the article oranother article including the smart tagged article.

[0098] Step 385 comprises removing the smart tag from the article, orremoving the article from a smart tagged container, or otherwisedisassociating the smart tag from the article. Step 385 may also includeretaining the smart tag as a record of the history of the article.Alternatively, step 385 also may comprise erasing the information storedin the smart tag so that the smart tag may be re-encoded (step 310) forreuse.

[0099] Step 390 comprises compiling, tabulating, manipulating orotherwise processing the information recorded in steps 330, 350, 370from stations #1-N regarding operations #1-N. Such processed informationmay be utilized for tracking, monitoring and/or control of amanufacturing or other process, and for control of that process and/orof apparatus, equipment, material, and personnel involved therewith.Step 390 may also include using such processed information for MRPIIpurposes, or for manipulation of data as part of a managementinformation system (MIS).

[0100] Step 395 comprises communicating information from step 390, i.eprocessed information, as control information for controlling apparatusand/or personnel involved in any of steps 310 through 370. Such controlmay include, for example, adjusting process conditions, material usage,control parameters, and the like, and may include programminginstructions where a station includes a computer or computer-controlledapparatus or equipment.

[0101] The communicating of information in connection with any of steps310-395 above may be accomplished by any suitable means including RFcommunication, optical communication, networks (LAN/WAN), and the like,as well as by wire, cable and optical fiber.

[0102]FIG. 4A is a schematic representation of a memory allocation 240suitable for a smart card ST for use with the invention. Sections 242,244, 246 of memory EM of smart tag ST are allocated or segmented for thestorage of particular information. Typically, an EEPROM memory isutilized.

[0103] Manufacturers of the electronic devices or chips utilized insmart tags typically segment the memory thereof into two segments: afirst segment 242 into which the manufacturer burns in (i.e. permanentlystores in a way that the information cannot thereafter be changed) aunique identifier of the electronic device or chip. Such permanentnumber 242 may be tens or hundreds of bits in length, as is appropriatefor providing a unique identifier. The remainder of the memory capacity244, 246 is left available for the storing of data therein in use, whichdata may be modified, written over or otherwise changed in the use ofthe electronic device.

[0104] Smart tags ST, ST′ are typically utilized for tagging andelectronically identifying objects by reading information stored in theelectronic memory of the smart tag using contact-less radio-frequency(RF) transmissions. For the present smart tagging system and method, anelectronic integrated circuit in the form of a semiconductor chip isconnected to an antenna on a substrate to serve as a tag. Thesemiconductor chip typically includes a processor and an electronicmemory for storing information. Information stored in a smart tag can beread by a suitable smart tag reader and can be read and written to by asuitable reader/writer. The reader or reader/writer and the tag antennaare tuned suitably so that RF energy (electromagnetic fields andelectrical signals) can stimulate the tag to emit a signalrepresentative of the information (electronic codes or data) stored inthe tag memory. Such contact-less RF tags eliminate the need for anelectrical contact or a line-of-sight path for communication with thesmart tag.

[0105] While it is satisfactory to utilize only the stored permanentnumber identifier 242 to identify the smart tag containing theelectronic device, it is preferred that the permanent number 242 bestored in a relational database in a processor and be linked to otheridentifying or use information for use in identifying the object orarticle to which the smart tag is attached or with which it isassociated. Such processor is in communication with the smart tagreaders that read information from memory 240 of the smart tags.

[0106] One potential problem associated with such smart tags occurswhere the information desire to be stored therein is simply coded andwritten into the writeable memory 244, 246. In that case, any change tothe information stored therein is undetectable. Typical sources oferroneous or corrupted or erased data include electromagneticinterference, whether accidental or intentional, as well as anyintentional or unintentional attempt to modify the stored information,whether authorized or unauthorized, such as by a thief or counterfeiter.Having other than the correct data stored in the memory of the smart tagcan lead to misdirection, loss or damage to property and/or injury toperson, none of which is desirable or acceptable.

[0107] To reduce the likelihood of undetected erroneous storedinformation, the remaining memory 244, 246 available to the smart taguser is further segmented into two segments. The first segment 244,which is typically of greater memory capacity, is allocated for thestorage of application specific data, such as the articleidentification, manufacturer, batch or lot identification and otherinformation, 244 a, and for information 244 b that is written back tothe smart tag memory by the smart tag reader/writer at the variousstations, such as station identification, operation performed, date andtime, and the like. The second and smaller memory segment 246 isallocated for storing a relational check number or code that is acalculated or coded value representative of at least the value of thestored application specific data, and preferably representative of thevalue of both the permanent number and the application specific data.Herein, the relational check number or code is usually referred tosimply as the relational check number to include numbers and/or codes.

[0108] Where the smart tag includes processing capability, the processorcan be programmed to calculate the relational check number upon eachtime data is written to its memory, preferably upon command to do so.Alternatively or additionally, each reader/writer or an associatedprocessor or central processor can calculate the relational checknumber. Because the electronic device utilized in a smart tag hassubstantial memory capacity, the relational check number can includemany bits and so can be constructed to permit error correction as wellas error detection.

[0109] The foregoing arrangement permits detection of errors and/orchanges to the application specific data at any time by reading the cardand recalculating the relational check number which is then compared tothe relational check number read from the smart tag. If the read andcalculated relational check numbers match, then there is a high degreeof certainty that the application specific data has not been changed anddoes not include errors.

[0110] It is noted that while the permanent number, the applicationspecific data and the relational check number or code are referred to as“numbers,” each may include numerical, alphabetic, alpha-numeric andother characters and symbols, conventional or arbitrary, as may bedesired. The relational check number or code is representative of theinformation stored in the memory in accordance with a predeterminedformula or algorithm or other scheme, either on a character by characterbasis or on the basis of one or more combinations of the characters orvalues stored in the memory. Suitable formula and algorithms include,for example, parity checks or other parity representations, sum checks,field relationship checks or any other predetermined relationshipbetween the stored permanent number and application specific data valuesand the relational check number.

[0111] Thus, any change to the stored information, including a changethat changes the stored value of the relational check number or code,will be detectable and an indication that the stored data contains oneor more errors or changes. Typically, the particular formula oralgorithm that generates the relational check number is not known tothird parties and is not derivable from the data stored in the smart tagmemory, and so the relational check number provides a degree of securityfor the information stored in the smart tags.

[0112] The formula or other algorithm or other encoder for generatingthe relational check code or number may be provided in protectedfirmware, in software or in a combination of firmware and software, toprovide a higher level of security against deciphering or unauthorizedcoding. For additional security, each encoder may also include a uniqueidentifier that must be paired with coding software having the sameunique identifier for enabling proper functioning. The unique encoderidentifier may also be included in or as part of the applicationspecific data.

[0113]FIGS. 4B and 4C are schematic representations of memoryallocations of a relational database of a processor suitable for usewith the invention. Database 1240 represents an aggregation of recordsstored in relational database computer software running on a processor.Compiling records of data written to smart tags in a relational databaseis particularly advantageous where the data is written to the smart tagand where it is important to be able to retrieve such data should thesmart tag be misplaced, lost or stolen, or if the information storedtherein is changed or corrupted or lost for any reason.

[0114] In a complete database, database 1240 illustrated by FIG. 4Astores a record each time data is written to any smart tag used with thetracking system. Database 1240 includes, for example, a number of datafields comprising a list 1242 of the permanent numbers of the smarttags, a list 1244 of the application specific data of each writing ofapplication specific data to each smart tag, a list 1246 of therelational check number written to each smart tag with each writing ofapplication specific data thereto, and a list 1248 of tag codingidentifiers such as the date, time, reader/writer identification foreach writing of application specific data to each smart tag. Lists 1242,1244, 1246, 1248 are comprised of aggregations of records correspondingto each writing of information to each smart tag, and may be providedfrom one or both of the smart tag and the reader/writer utilized foreach writing of information.

[0115] In a simplified database, database 1240′ includes, for example,lists 1242, 1246 and 1248. This database arrangement may be advantageouswhere the database is stored in a local processor and/or a smart tagreader/writer where available memory capacity may be more limited thanin another processor. In either a complete or simplified database,information relating to each writing of information to each smart tag iscommunicated to a processor in real time or delayed, and may be periodicor a periodic. Information may be communicated by any of the meansdescribed as well as by manual communication, e.g., by transporting thesmart tag reader/writer and/or local processor and/or computer mediacontaining the information stored in such smart tag reader/writer and/orlocal processor to another processor.

[0116] Suitable relational database software include ACCESS and SQLServer database software which runs on conventional PC processors withstandard operating systems, such as Windows-NT, both available fromMicrosoft Corporation of Redmond, Washington, as well as the ORACLE,SYBASE and INFORMIX database software. Preferably the database softwareis “Internet-ready” in that it includes features facilitating connectionto and communication of information via the Internet.

[0117] Each database record will typically include fields for some orall of the following application specific data or information inaddition to the permanent number:

[0118] Article information including but not limited to article or otherproduct identification, name, model and/or serial number, UPC productcode, customer and/or owner, batch, lot or shipment number and/or otheridentifying number, and the like.

[0119] Station and/or operation information including but not limited tobooth/station identification, operator/personnel identification, entryand exit time data (arriving and leaving), date, expiration date,keypad/keyboard entered data, data item/information requests, qualitycontrol/inspection information, smart tag information, and the like.

[0120] Relational check number representative of any or all of theforegoing application specific data and/or the permanent number of thesmart tag.

[0121] Where the information written to each smart tag is allcommunicated to and stored in a central database and where allsubsequent action to be taken will be taken based upon the informationstored in the central database, then the use of a relational checknumber to verify the information stored in the smart tag and/or detecterrors in and changes thereto is of much less importance.

[0122] In any case, the central database can be utilized to provideparticular information, general information, status information,statistical information, and other information on an on-line basis thatis at least as current as the entry of record information into thedatabase. Where every writing of information to a smart tag is alsoreplicated in a record stored in the relational database, the relationaldatabase contains and can provide a detailed history of the utilizationof the smart tag, e.g., the path of the visitor's visit to theexhibition and the date and time of each visit to each booth as well asinformation requested or entered at each such visit.

[0123]FIG. 5A is a flow chart schematic diagram of an example of autilization of the memory allocations 242, 244, 246, and of memoryallocations and relational database structures 1242, 1244, 1246, 1248 ofFIGS. 4A-4C according to the invention. Information from the smart tagis read 1200, such information including, for example, a permanentnumber related to the particular smart tag, application specific datarelating to the article and stations, and a check number representativeof at least the application specific data and preferably the applicationspecific data and the permanent number. Application specific data readfrom the smart tag is decoded 1205 and the permanent number read fromthe smart tag is stored.

[0124] A cross check 1210 is made between the application specific dataand the permanent number read from the smart tag. Cross check 1210includes calculating from the application specific data and thepermanent number the value of the check number and comparing thatcalculated value to the value of the check number read from the smarttag. If the two check numbers correlate, then there is a high degree ofconfidence that the application specific data does not contain errorsand has not been altered. It is noted that cross check 1210 is performedat least initially using only the information read from the smart tagand so does not necessarily require a central processor or database. Ifthere is a non-correlation or other discrepancy, such non-correlation ordiscrepancy produces an alarm 1215 and further correlation steps may betaken.

[0125] Results of the reading of smart tags and of the correlation ofthe check numbers thereof are reported 1215 in any convenient form. Suchreporting may be by aggregation of records in a database for current ordelayed review, by displaying the results or summaries of results orstatistics related to results on a human-perceivable display, or byinitiating an alarm 1215 of lack of correlation of check numbers. Suchalarm may take the form of a print out, a paper document, a visualdisplay, a warning screen, an audible signal, a signal to a control ormonitoring station or to a pager or cell phone, or any other convenientform of alarm or signal.

[0126] A further cross check 1220 may be made to check at least thepermanent number and relational check number stored in the database tothe permanent number and relational check number read from the smarttag. Because the permanent number of a smart tag cannot be changed,cross check 1220 includes comparing the relational check number readfrom a particular smart tag having a given permanent number with therelational check number stored in the relational database for themost-recent record corresponding to that given permanent number.Correspondence or lack of correspondence of the respective relationalcheck numbers from cross check 1220 is utilized to confirm suchcorrespondence or lack thereof by human-perceivable display or alarm, asdescribed above.

[0127] In particular, correspondence in cross check 1220 initiatesconfirming a match 1230, e.g., by any human-perceivable display, reportor alarm, as described above. Lack of correspondence in cross check 1220is a discrepancy that initiates giving an alarm 1232, e.g., by anyhuman-perceivable display, report or alarm, as described above.

[0128] Initiating a human-perceivable display or alarm, or communicatinginformation to or from another location can include linking 1234 theprocessor performing any of cross checks 1210 and 1230 and/or producinga report or alarm 1215, 1230, 1232, to a remote processor, display oralarm via the Internet. Such linking via the Internet 1232 may includeaccessing a remote relational database, which may be an open database towhich information can be added, deleted or changed or which may be aclosed database not allowing information to be added, deleted or changedvia the Internet link. Access may be controlled by access codes,passwords and the like as desired, and information communicated via theInternet may be encrypted, to provide the desired degree of security.

[0129] Further, correlation or lack of correlation or any otherdifference between the information read from a smart tag and the relatedinformation stored in the relational database initiates displaying 1236data from any one or more of the smart tag and a local or centralrelational database, or if such data is limited or missing, displaying1236 a default indication, e.g., whatever information is stored in thedatabase. Displaying 1236 may include displaying information from thesmart tag and the relational database or may be limited, e.g., todisplaying the differences and/or discrepancies of that information, andmay be immediate or delayed. Displaying 1236 may be for each cross check1210, 1220, or may be for any number of cross checks 1210, 1220.

[0130] The display of the result or status of any step and/or of theinformation to which attention is to be drawn may be included in adisplay of information, e.g., such as by highlighting or coloring theportion of the displayed information to which attention is to be drawn,or by separately displaying the information to which attention is to bedrawn. Where information desirable to be displayed is available in therelational database, such information is retrieved and displayedautomatically, either locally, remotely or via the Internet, asappropriate. If such information is not so available, a warning orinstruction to an operator is provided to instruct the operator toeither retrieve the information or to segregate or mark the affectedsmart tag for special treatment or handling, e.g., such as alerting anattendant or operator at final or check out station when an articleassociated with that smart tag arrives.

[0131] It is noted that the foregoing arrangements and method also canenable the detection of changing or tampering with the informationstored in the smart card for the unlikely case where the changing ortampering is done with knowledge of the calculation of the relationalcheck number. In such case, the relational check number is correctlyrelated to the application specific data and/or the permanent number andso the simple cross checking 1210 will not detect the changing ortampering. Because the information written to each smart tag is alsostored in the relational database correlated to the smart tagunchangeable permanent number, comparison of the changed ortampered-with information read from a smart card is detectable by crosschecking 1220 that read information against the information stored inthe relational database.

[0132] Where desired, the relational database may be accessed and madeavailable by any convenient means, e.g., by providing same on floppydisk or CD-ROM, optical CD and the like that is easily sent by mail,express and the like, or by making same available via communicationmeans such as wire, cable, optical fiber, LAN, WAN, optical or radiofrequency transmission, the Internet and the like.

[0133]FIG. 5B is a flow chart schematic diagram of another example of autilization of the memory allocations 242, 244, 246, and of memoryallocations and relational database structures 1242, 1244, 1246, 1248 ofFIGS. 4A-4C according to the invention. It is noted that the steps ofFIG. 5B include steps as described above in relation to FIG. 5A, butarranged for a more direct illustration of certain steps. Informationfrom the smart tag is read 1200, such information including, forexample, the permanent number related to the particular smart tag,application specific data, and a relational check number (also referredto as a “relational encryption code”) representative of at least theapplication specific data and preferably the application specific dataand the permanent number.

[0134] The encoded application specific data and relational check numberread from the smart tag are decoded and separated 1205′ and are compared1210′ to determine whether the relational encryption or check code ornumber read from the smart tag corresponds to or matches the relationalencryption or check code or number recalculated by the processor fromthe application specific data and the permanent number read from thesmart tag. I.e. match 1210′ is a cross check that includes calculatingfrom the application specific data and the permanent number the value ofthe relational check number and comparing that calculated value to thevalue of the check number read from the smart tag.

[0135] If the two check numbers correlate (i.e. match, path “Y”), thenthere is a high degree of confidence that the application specific datadoes not contain errors and has not been altered, and the applicationspecific data is displayed 1215/1230 along with confirmation that therelational check number correlates.

[0136] If there is a non-correlation (i.e. non-match, path “N”) or otherdiscrepancy, such non-correlation or discrepancy produces the display ofa warning or alarm 1215/1232 and initiates further correlation steps.Such further steps include retrieving 1220′/1234′ from a relationaldatabase records stored therein corresponding the particular smart tagrelated, for example, by its permanent number, and displaying or posting1215/1232 such retrieved stored records. Access to the relationaldatabase, if not direct in the processor, is by communication1220′/1234′ with a processor via communication means, typically a LAN orWAN, or via the Internet.

[0137] Whether there is correlation or non-correlation of the relationalcheck number, a record is stored 1238 in the relational databaseincluding the information read from the smart tag in step 1200, whetheror not the read data correlated or not in step 1210′, and the identityof the station or check point at which such data was read.

[0138]FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of examples of antenna arrays 130(designated 130′ and 130″) suitable for use with the invention. Eachantenna array 130 comprises a plurality of antenna 132, 134, 136, 138, .. . disposed or arrayed in respective orientations so as to produce,when transmitting, an electromagnetic field in the detection regionhaving components in each of three orthogonal directions, and so as tobe responsive to, when receiving, an electromagnetic field in thedetection region having components in each of three orthogonaldirections. Because each array 130 includes a plurality of antenna,preferably loop antenna, 132, 134, 136, 138, . . . , the antenna may beconveniently be attached to and supported by existing structure at eachstation OS or entrance or exit, or may be supported by a supportingstructure provided for that purpose. Typically, the antenna 132, 134,136, 138, . . . of the antenna array 130 are spaced apart and aredisposed to surround the space defined as the detection region.

[0139] Because the relevant electromagnetic field has components in eachof three orthogonal directions, communication between at least one ofthe antennas 132, 134, 136, 138, . . . of the antenna array 130 and theantenna of a smart tag ST, ST′ in the detection region is possibleregardless of the orientation of the smart tag. As a result, there is ahigh degree of confidence that information is correctly from read fromand/or written to the tag or tags ST, ST′ present in the detectionregion. Such antenna array is sometimes referred to as an“all-orientation” antenna array.

[0140] In particular, the antenna array 130′ at the top of FIG. 6includes four antenna loops 132, 134, 136, 138 coupled to smart tagcontrol unit CU for reading information from and writing information toa smart tag ST, ST′. The four antenna loops 132, 134, 136, 138 may bedisposed in planes defining the sides of a parallelepiped-shapeddetection region, preferably with at least one of the loop antennadisposed so that the smart tag ST, ST′ moves through the central regionof the loop. The antenna loops 132, 134, . . . may be crossed one overthe other or over itself so as to have conductors that appear to form a“net” or that appear to be “knitted” and one or more of the loops may beskewed at an angle of about 45° to 135° with respect to one or more ofthe other loops.

[0141] The antenna array 130″ at the bottom of FIG. 6 includes aplurality pf antenna loops 132, 134, . . . (only two shown) coupled tosmart tag control unit CU for reading information from and writinginformation to a smart tag ST, ST′. The plural antenna loops 132, 134, .. . are disposed on flexible plastic planar sheets 131 that are hungtogether side by side as a segmented flexible curtain to cover theopening of an entrance, exit or other access way that defines detectionregion, for example, as illustrated by FIG. 7A. Antenna loops 132, 134,. . . are coupled via coaxial cables 130C to splitter 130SP for couplingelectrical signals thereto. It is noted that because antennas 132, 134,. . . are on flexible plastic substrate segments 131, they also providea cover for the access way similar to conventional plastic doorwaycurtains.

[0142] As illustrated in the antenna array 1130 shown in FIG. 7B,additional similar loop antenna 1132, 1134-2, . . . disposed onadditional flexible plastic sheets 1131 hung in between (alternatingwith) and substantially perpendicular with the sheets 131 that form acurtain. Antenna loops 1132, 1134, . . . are coupled via coaxial cables1130C to splitter 1130SP for coupling electrical signals thereto. Sheets1131 may or may not intersect the plane that contains sheets 131. Loopantenna 1132, 1134, . . . improve antenna array 1130 operation undersome conditions, but are optional. The flexible planar sheets 131, 1131are parted and move when an article or articles pass through the accessway so as to move ones of the loop antenna 132, 134, . . . and/or loopantenna 1132, 1134, . . . on the plastic sheets to differentorientations so that at least one of the loop antenna becomes disposedto read information from and/or write information to smart tag ST, ST′as the article(s) move(s) through the access way.

[0143] To avoid interaction or interference between transmission and/orreception by the various ones of the antenna 132, 134, . . . and 1132,1134, . . . of the antenna array 130 and 1130, the antenna 132, 134, . .. and 1132, 1134, . . . are loop antenna arranged with spatial ortemporal separation. That is the loop antenna are typically spaced apartso as to be spatially separated or are activated and/or enabledsequentially in time so that one antenna is active (i.e. transmitting orreceiving) at any given time and is independent of the others whenactive. Antenna sequencing and timing may be provided and/or controlledby control unit CU or by control unit CU in conjunction with one or moreof processors LC, 200, and may be coordinated with other sequencedantenna arrays such as via a distribution hub 110 or other couplingpath.

[0144] In the temporally separated loop antenna, the time in the antennaactivation sequence for which any one antenna is active for transmittingand/or receiving information (i.e. the “dwell time”) is typicallybetween about 150 and 350 milliseconds. Antenna sequencing isestablished at a rate sufficiently high so that all of the antennas areactivated within the minimum time that a moving article to be detectedis within the detection region. Where individual smart tags ST′ areutilized, one or more time slots in the antenna sequence may bededicated to reading and/or writing to the individual smart tags ST′.The sequencing rate is typically about 0.5 to 2 complete sequences persecond, so that the duration of each complete sequence (i.e. the “cycletime”) is about 500 to 2000 milliseconds.

[0145] Where the antenna loops are spatially separated, either in placeof temporal separation or in addition thereto, the spatial separation istypically sufficient when less than about 50% of the effectiveelectromagnetic field region overlaps within the detection region.

[0146]FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an example of an antenna array700 suitable for use with the invention. Antenna array 700 includes aplurality of loop antenna 720-755, disposed around and proximate to thetransport path 710 of an object including a smart tag. Specifically,loop antenna 720-755 define a parallelepiped “tunnel” of passage havingright and left sides 702 and 704, top 706 and bottom 708. One directionof travel is indicated by the arrow of transport path 710, but theopposite direction of travel may also be used. Antenna loops 720-755 aredisposed in a plurality of spatially separated regions of antenna array700 indicated by the letters A, B, C and D.

[0147] Antenna loop 720 is disposed in region A of antenna array 700 tosurround transport path 710 so that the object including a smart tagpasses through loop 720. Antenna loop 720 is optional where the smarttags are of sufficient size to sufficiently couple transmittedelectromagnetic signals to others of antenna loops 730-755.

[0148] Antenna loops 730 and 735 are disposed adjacent to transport path710 on bottom 708 and on side 702, respectively, in region B of antennaarray 700. Loops 730 and 735 are substantially perpendicular (e.g., atabout 80° to 100°) to each other so as to sufficiently coupletransmitted electromagnetic signals as the object including a smart tagis proximate thereto. Similarly, but spatially separated therefrom,antenna loops 750 and 755 are disposed adjacent to transport path 710 ontop 706 and on side 704, respectively, in region D of antenna array 700.Loops 750 and 755 are substantially perpendicular (e.g., at about 80° to100°) to each other so as to sufficiently couple transmittedelectromagnetic signals as the object including a smart tag is proximatethereto. Together, antenna loops 730. 750, 735, 755 are on the bottom,top and both sides 702, 704 to together surround transport path 710.

[0149] Antenna loops 740 and 745 are disposed to each surround transportpath 710 in region C of antenna array 700, similarly to loop 720 ofregion A. Loops 740 and 745 are skewed or rotated so as to not besubstantially perpendicular to transport path 710, but to be skewed atan angle of about 45° to 135° with respect thereto. Loop 740 is rotatedor skewed in a direction about a vertical line and loop 745 is rotatedor skewed about a horizontal direction so as to appear to lean or betilted. As a result, loop antenna 740, 745 are disposed in skewedfashion so as to sufficiently couple transmitted electromagnetic signalsas the object including a smart tag is proximate thereto in anorientation not likely to couple efficiently to, e.g., antenna loops730, 735, 750 and 755. Antenna loops 740 and/or 745 are optional wherethe smart tags are of sufficient size to sufficiently couple transmittedelectromagnetic signals to others of antenna loops 720-735 and 750-755.

[0150] While various temporally and/or spatially separated antenna arrayarrangements may be utilized with the present invention, examples ofsuitable antenna arrays are described in detail in Applicant'sco-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/854,722 entitled “ANTENNAARRAY FOR SMART RFID TAGS” filed on May 14, 2001, which is herebyincorporated herein in its entirety. Examples of typical smart tagssuitable for use with the present invention are described and shown inApplicant's co-pending U.S. patent applications Ser. No. 09/412,058entitled “ARTICLE HAVING AN EMBEDDED ELECTRONIC DEVICE, AND METHOD OFMAKING SAME” filed Oct. 4, 1999, Ser. No. 09/411,849 entitled “WIRELESSARTICLE INCLUDING A PLURAL-TURN LOOP ANTENNA” filed Oct. 4, 1999, andSer. No. 09/671,923 entitled “TAMPER-RESISTANT WIRELESS ARTICLEINCLUDING AN ANTENNA” filed Sep. 28, 2000.

[0151] While the present invention has been described in terms of theforegoing exemplary embodiments, variations within the scope and spiritof the present invention as defined by the claims following will beapparent to those skilled in the art. For example, many differentcombinations of antenna arrays, control units, communication devices andprocessors may be employed in making and using the system and inpracticing the method of the present invention. Antenna arrays may beprovided in any kind of area such as storage bins, containers, displaycases and shelves, cargo areas and holds, as well as places whether ornot described above.

[0152] The information communicated between smart tag, control unitand/or processor may include any information of interest to theproprietor or operator of the system or method. For example, theidentity of the article is information often desired, and may includethe model or type number, the serial number, the name or nomenclature,material and/or component information, order or contract number, and thelike, and such information may relate to the article, the containercarrying the article and/or an apparatus into which the article willultimately be incorporated.

[0153] Smart tags of various types may be utilized as convenient. Wherethe operation may involve a harsh or severe environment, such as hightemperature or pressure, chemical reactants and solvents, detergents andbleaches and the like, the smart tag is of materials compatible withthat environment. For example, a smart tag having a polyimide substratewith solid copper conductors thereon and nickel-gold metal platedinterconnection pads, and wherein the electronic chip is connected tothe interconnection pads with a high-temperature flexible conductiveadhesive, may withstand temperatures of about 200° C. for at least 100hours. Such tags may be contained within a closed package or containerthat isolates the temperature rise of the smart tag to less than about150° C. within 60 minutes, even when the temperature of the operation isover 300° C. Such package may also prevent chemicals and solvents fromreaching and attacking the smart tag.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for tracking an article at a pluralityof stations, wherein a smart tag is associated with the article,comprising: a plurality of stations at which an operation is performed;a plurality of smart tag readers, wherein one of the smart tag readersis associated with each one of the plurality of stations for providingand/or receiving information-bearing electrical signals in a smart tagformat, and wherein each of the plurality of smart tag readers producesinformation signals representative of information contained in thereceived information-bearing electrical signals and/or insertsinformation contained in information signals in the transmittedinformation-bearing electrical signals; a plurality of antennasoperatively coupled to a respective one of the plurality of smart tagreaders for transmitting and/or receiving the information-bearingelectrical signals in a detection region proximate the respectivestation associated therewith, at least some of said plurality ofantennas including a plurality of loop antenna arranged with spatial ortemporal separation for coupling the information-bearing electricalsignals between the smart tag reader and a smart tag in the detectionregion with substantially 100% reading rate; at least one smart tagassociated with an article, the smart tag including an electronic memoryand an antenna coupled to the electronic memory for transmitting and/orreceiving information-bearing electrical signals in the smart tagformat, wherein the information-bearing electrical signals representinformation to be stored in the electronic memory and/or representinformation produced from the electronic memory; wherein the informationto be stored in and the information produced from the electronic memoryof the smart tag includes a permanent number, application specific dataand a relational check number representative of the permanent numberand/or the application specific data; whereby information iscommunicated between the electronic memory of the smart tag and thesmart tag reader of a particular station when the smart tag is in thedetection region of that particular station, a computer processor forprocessing at least information signals including application specificdata and a relational check number from the smart tag readers at theplurality of stations and for providing a record of the informationrepresented by the information signals; and communication means forcommunicating the information signals between said computer processorand said plurality of smart tag readers.
 2. The system of claim 1wherein the information contained in the information-bearing electricalsignals is representative of one or more of the identity of the smarttag, the identity of the article, a model number, a serial number, theidentity of the station, the operation performed at the station, anoperator associated with the station, a measurement made at the station,personnel time and attendance, a date, and time.
 3. The system of claim1 wherein the information contained in the information signals iscommunicated to and is stored in both the computer processor and theelectronic memory of the smart tag.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein atleast one of said plurality of antennas has a detection region includingan entrance to and an exit from a particular one of the plurality ofstations.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of loop antennaare disposed on flexible substrates providing a flexible curtain at anaccess way.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of loopantenna are one of: spatially separated such that less than about 50% ofthe effective electromagnetic field region of the respective loopantenna overlaps within the detection region, and temporally separatedby being activated sequentially in time.
 7. The system of claim 1wherein the smart tag is either attached to the article or is attachedto a container for containing the article.
 8. The system of claim 1wherein said computer processor includes a central processor incommunication with one or more local processors in communication withthe smart tag readers.
 9. The system of claim 1 wherein saidcommunication means further comprises at least one communication hub forproviding communication between one of: (a) a central processor and atleast one local processors, and (b) ones of local processors.
 10. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein said computer processor provides a humanperceivable indication responsive to the presence of a smart tag withinthe detection region of one of the plurality of antennas.
 11. The systemof claim 10 wherein the human perceivable indication includes one of alight, an audible alarm, an anti-theft alarm, a display on a computermonitor and a print out.
 12. The system of claim 1 wherein theinformation processed by the computer processor includes a permanentnumber, application specific data and a relational check numberrepresentative of the permanent number and/or the application specificdata.
 13. The system of claim 1 wherein said communication meanscomprises one or more of wire, cable, optical fiber, radio or RFtransmission, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), theInternet, and a combination thereof.
 14. The system of claim 1 whereinthe operation performed at ones of the plurality of stations includes atleast one of a manufacturing operation, processing, testing, inspecting,operation timing, productivity monitoring, work and/or time recording,an inventory operation, a quality control operation, personnel time andattendance recording, a shipping operation, a receiving operation, astorage operation, a display operation, a sales operation, a buyingoperation, a wholesale operation and a retail operation.
 15. The systemof claim 1 wherein at least ones of said plurality of stations aredisposed in one of a warehouse, a manufacturing facility, a processingfacility, a display, a storage bin, entrance and exit gates, a vehicle,an airplane, a ship, a train, a truck, a container, a storage container,a transport container, a store, and a display facility.
 16. A method fortracking an article at a plurality of stations, wherein a smart tag isassociated with the article, comprising: associating a smart tag readerwith each one of a plurality of stations for providing and/or receivinginformation-bearing electrical signals in a smart tag format, producinginformation signals representative of information contained in thereceived information-bearing electrical signals and/or insertinginformation contained in information signals in the transmittedinformation-bearing electrical signals; operatively coupling an antennato a respective one of the smart tag readers for transmitting and/orreceiving the information-bearing electrical signals in a detectionregion proximate the respective station associated therewith, whereinthe antenna includes a plurality of loop antenna arranged with spatialor temporal separation for coupling the information-bearing electricalsignals between the smart tag reader and a smart tag with substantially100% reading rate; associating with an article a smart tag including anelectronic memory and an antenna coupled to the electronic memory fortransmitting and/or receiving information-bearing electrical signals inthe smart tag format, wherein the information-bearing electrical signalsrepresent information to be stored in the electronic memory and/orrepresent information produced from the electronic memory; wherein theinformation to be stored in and the information produced from theelectronic memory of the smart tag includes a permanent number,application specific data and a relational check number representativeof the permanent number and/or the application specific data; wherebyinformation is communicated between the electronic memory of the smarttag and the smart tag reader of a particular station when the smart tagis in the detection region of that particular station, processing atleast information signals including application specific data and arelational check number from the smart tag readers at the plurality ofstations and for providing a record of the information represented bythe information signals; and communicating the information signalsbetween a computer processor and the smart tag readers.
 17. The methodof claim 16 wherein the information contained in the information-bearingelectrical signals is representative of one or more of the identity ofthe smart tag, the identity of the station, the operation performed atthe station, an operator associated with the station, a measurement madeat the station, personnel time and attendance, a date, and time.
 18. Themethod of claim 16 wherein said communicating the information signalsincludes storing the same information in the computer processor and inthe electronic memory of the smart tag.
 19. The method of claim 16wherein said processing includes processing information in a formincluding a permanent number, application specific data and a relationalcheck number representative of the permanent number and/or theapplication specific data.
 20. The method of claim 16 wherein saidoperatively coupling includes disposing the plurality of loop antennafor providing a detection region including an entrance to and an exitfrom a particular one of the plurality of stations.
 21. The method ofclaim 16 wherein said operatively coupling includes disposing theplurality of loop antenna on flexible substrates providing a flexiblecurtain at an access way.
 22. The method of claim 16 further comprisingone of: spatially separating the plurality of loop antenna such thatless than about 50% of the effective electromagnetic field region of therespective loop antenna overlaps within the detection region, andtemporally separating the plurality of loop antenna by activating theones of the plurality of loop antenna sequentially in time.
 23. Themethod of claim 16 including either attaching the smart tag to thearticle or attaching the smart tag to a container for containing thearticle.
 24. The method of claim 16 wherein said processing includescentrally processing in communication with locally processing incommunication with the smart tag readers.
 25. The method of claim 16wherein said communicating further comprises communicating via a hubbetween one of: (a) a central processor and at least one localprocessor, and (b) ones of local processors.
 26. The method of claim 16wherein said processing includes providing a human perceivableindication responsive to the presence of a smart tag within thedetection region of one of the plurality of antennas.
 27. The method ofclaim 26 wherein said providing a human perceivable indication includesone of providing a light, an audible alarm, an anti-theft alarm, adisplay on a computer monitor and a print out.
 28. The method of claim16 wherein said communicating comprises sending the information signalsvia one or more of wire, cable, optical fiber, radio or RF transmission,a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, anda combination thereof.
 29. The method of claim 16 further comprisingperforming at ones of the stations operations including at least one ofa manufacturing, processing, testing, inspecting, timing, productivitymonitoring, work time recording, personnel time and attendancerecording, inventorying, quality control, shipping, receiving, storing,displaying, buying, selling, wholesaling, and retailing.
 30. The methodof claim 16 further comprising disposing at least ones of said pluralityof stations in one of a warehouse, a manufacturing facility, aprocessing facility, a display, a storage bin, entrance and exit gates,a vehicle, an airplane, a ship, a train, a truck, a container, a storagecontainer, a transport container, a store, and a display facility.
 31. Asystem for tracking an article at a plurality of stations, wherein asmart tag is associated with the article, comprising: means forassociating a smart tag reader with each one of a plurality of stationsfor providing and/or receiving information-bearing electrical signals ina smart tag format, means for producing information signalsrepresentative of information contained in the receivedinformation-bearing electrical signals and/or for inserting informationcontained in information signals in the transmitted information-bearingelectrical signals; means for operatively coupling an antenna to arespective one of the smart tag readers for transmitting and/orreceiving the information-bearing electrical signals in a detectionregion proximate the respective station associated therewith, whereinsaid antenna includes a plurality of loop antenna arranged with spatialor temporal separation for coupling the information-bearing electricalsignals between the smart tag reader and a smart tag with substantially100% reading rate; a smart tag associated with an article, the smart tagincluding an electronic memory and an antenna coupled to the electronicmemory for transmitting and/or receiving information-bearing electricalsignals in the smart tag format, wherein the information-bearingelectrical signals represent information to be stored in the electronicmemory and/or represent information produced from the electronic memory;wherein the information to be stored in and the information producedfrom the electronic memory of the smart tag includes a permanent number,application specific data and a relational check number representativeof the permanent number and/or the application specific data; wherebyinformation is communicated between the electronic memory of the smarttag and the smart tag reader of a particular station when the smart tagis in the detection region of that particular station, means forprocessing at least information signals including application specificdata and a relational check number from the smart tag readers at theplurality of stations and for providing a record of the informationrepresented by the information signals; and means for communicating theinformation signals between a computer processor and the smart tagreaders.
 32. The system of claim 31 wherein the information contained inthe information-bearing electrical signals is representative of one ormore of the identity of the smart tag, the identity of the station, theoperation performed at the station, an operator associated with thestation, a measurement made at the station, personnel time andattendance, a date, and time.
 33. The system of claim 31 wherein saidmeans for communicating the information signals includes means forstoring the same information in the means for processing and in theelectronic memory of the smart tag.
 34. The system of claim 31 furthercomprising means for providing the information to be stored in and theinformation produced from the electronic memory of the smart tag in aform including a permanent number, application specific data and arelational check number representative of the permanent number and/orthe application specific data.
 35. The system of claim 31 wherein saidmeans for processing includes means for processing information in a formincluding a permanent number, application specific data and a relationalcheck number representative of the permanent number and/or theapplication specific data.
 36. The system of claim 31 wherein theplurality of loop antenna are disposed for providing a detection regionincluding an entrance to and an exit from a particular one of theplurality of stations.
 37. The system of claim 31 wherein said pluralityof loop antenna are disposed on flexible substrates providing a flexiblecurtain at an access way.
 38. The system of claim 31 further comprisingone of: means for spatially separating the plurality of loop antennasuch that less than about 50% of the effective electromagnetic fieldregion of the respective loop antenna overlaps within the detectionregion, and means for temporally separating the plurality of loopantenna by activating the ones of the plurality of loop antennasequentially in time.
 39. The system of claim 31 including eitherattaching the smart tag to the article or attaching the smart tag to acontainer for containing the article.
 40. The system of claim 31 whereinsaid means for processing includes means for centrally processing incommunication with means for locally processing in communication withthe smart tag readers.
 41. The system of claim 31 wherein said means forcommunicating further comprises a communication hub coupled between oneof: (a) a central processor and at least one local processor, and (b)ones of local processors.
 42. The system of claim 31 wherein said meansfor processing provides a human perceivable indication responsive to thepresence of a smart tag within the detection region of one of theplurality of antennas.
 43. The system of claim 42 wherein said humanperceivable indication includes one of a light, an audible alarm, ananti-theft alarm, a display on a computer monitor and a print out. 44.The system of claim 31 wherein said means for communicating comprisesone or more of wire, cable, optical fiber, radio or RF transmission, alocal area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, and acombination thereof.
 45. The system of claim 31 further comprisingperforming at ones of the stations operations including at least one ofa manufacturing, processing, testing, inspecting, timing, productivitymonitoring, work time recording, personnel time and attendancerecording, inventorying, quality control, shipping, receiving, storing,displaying, buying, selling, wholesaling, and retailing.
 46. The systemof claim 31 wherein at least ones of said plurality of stations aredisposed in one of a warehouse, a manufacturing facility, a processingfacility, a display, a storage bin, entrance and exit gates, a vehicle,an airplane, a ship, a train, a truck, a container, a storage container,a transport container, a store, and a display facility.
 47. A system fortracking an article at a plurality of stations, wherein a smart tag isassociated with the article, comprising: a plurality of stations atwhich an operation is performed; a plurality of smart tag readers,wherein one of the smart tag readers is associated with each one of theplurality of stations for providing and/or receiving information-bearingelectrical signals in a smart tag format, and wherein each of theplurality of smart tag readers produces information signalsrepresentative of information contained in the receivedinformation-bearing electrical signals and/or inserts informationcontained in information signals in the transmitted information-bearingelectrical signals; a plurality of antennas operatively coupled to arespective one of the plurality of smart tag readers for transmittingand/or receiving the information-bearing electrical signals in adetection region proximate the respective station associated therewithwith substantially 100% reading rate, wherein each antenna includes aplurality of loop antenna activated sequentially in time; at least onesmart tag associated with an article, the smart tag including anelectronic memory and an antenna coupled to the electronic memory fortransmitting and/or receiving information-bearing electrical signals inthe smart tag format, wherein the information-bearing electrical signalsrepresent information to be stored in the electronic memory and/orrepresent information produced from the electronic memory; wherein theinformation to be stored in and the information produced from theelectronic memory of the smart tag includes a permanent number,application specific data and a relational check number representativeof the permanent number and/or the application specific data; wherebyinformation is communicated between the electronic memory of the smarttag and the smart tag reader of a particular station when the smart tagis in the detection region of that particular station, a computerprocessor for processing at least information signals includingapplication specific data and a relational check number from the smarttag readers at the plurality of stations and for providing a record ofthe information represented by the information signals; wherein saidcomputer processor includes a central processor in communication withone or more local processors in communication with the smart tagreaders; and communication means for communicating the informationsignals between said computer processor and said plurality of smart tagreaders.
 48. The system of claim 47 wherein the information contained inthe information-bearing electrical signals is representative of one ormore of the identity of the smart tag, the identity of the article, amodel number, a serial number, the identity of the station, theoperation performed at the station, an operator associated with thestation, a measurement made at the station, personnel time andattendance, a date, and time.
 49. The system of claim 47 wherein theinformation contained in the information signals is communicated to andis stored in both the computer processor and the electronic memory ofthe smart tag.
 50. A system for tracking an article at a plurality ofstations, wherein a smart tag is associated with the article,comprising: a plurality of stations at which an operation is performed;a plurality of smart tag readers, wherein one of the smart tag readersis associated with each one of the plurality of stations for providingand/or receiving information-bearing electrical signals in a smart tagformat, and wherein each of the plurality of smart tag readers producesinformation signals representative of information contained in thereceived information-bearing electrical signals and/or insertsinformation contained in information signals in the transmittedinformation-bearing electrical signals; a plurality of antennasoperatively coupled to a respective one of the plurality of smart tagreaders for transmitting and/or receiving the information-bearingelectrical signals in a detection region proximate the respectivestation associated therewith, at least one smart tag associated with anarticle, the smart tag including an electronic memory and an antennacoupled to the electronic memory for transmitting and/or receivinginformation-bearing electrical signals in the smart tag format, whereinthe information-bearing electrical signals represent information to bestored in the electronic memory and/or represent information producedfrom the electronic memory including a permanent number, applicationspecific data and a relational check number representative of thepermanent number and/or the application specific data; wherebyinformation is communicated between the electronic memory of the smarttag and the smart tag reader of a particular station when the smart tagis in the detection region of that particular station, a computerprocessor for processing at least information signals from the smart tagreaders at the plurality of stations and for providing a record of theinformation represented by the information signals, said informationrepresented by the information signals including the permanent number,the application specific data and the relational check numberrepresentative of the permanent number and/or the application specificdata; and communication means for communicating the information signalsbetween said computer processor and said plurality of smart tag readers.51. The system of claim 50 wherein at least some of said plurality ofantennas include a plurality of loop antenna arranged with spatial ortemporal separation for coupling the information-bearing electricalsignals between the smart tag reader and a smart tag in the detectionregion with substantially 100% reading rate.